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Island teacher steps down before hearing

Hilda Learmonth, 58, who retired in June, was alleged to have “created an atmosphere of fear and oppression”

The former head of a Scottish island school embroiled in a dispute with her own staff has asked to have her name struck off the teaching register before a hearing.

Hilda Learmonth, 58, who taught at Stromness Academy, was to appear at a General Teaching Council (GTC) disciplinary meeting on Tuesday. Ms Learmonth asked to be removed from the register. A separate meeting will be held next week to consider the request.

The teacher retired in June. She was alleged to have “created an atmosphere of fear and oppression” and “denied staff dignity at work” and to have “imposed a management regime to the detriment of many staff at the school”.

John Stodter, Aberdeen city council’s former director of learning, led an inquiry into allegations…

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